Chelmsford school-panel chairwoman to run for selectman

CHELMSFORD -- School Committee Chairwoman Janet Askenburg has taken out nomination forms to run for Board of Selectmen, adding to four other candidates for two selectmen seats.

Askenburg announced her candidacy Monday, and said she wants "to offer my experience as a business leader, community volunteer and advocate for fiscal responsibility to help maintain and improve the quality of life for all Chelmsford residents."

Askenburg said she's enjoyed serving on the School Committee, including the last two years as chairwoman. Her three-year term on the School Committee is expiring this spring, along with the term of Evelyn Thoren. Thoren has already taken out nomination forms for a re-election.

"There have been many changes implemented in our school system over the past three years, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished," Askenburg said. "I believe my years on the School Committee have provided me with knowledge and experience that will be beneficial in dealing with issues we face as a town."

With days until the deadline to take out nomination forms, five candidates are in line for two Board of Selectmen seats.

Incumbent Matt Hanson has taken out paperwork for a second term and is the only selectmen candidate to return his paperwork, as of Monday.

Other candidates are Town Meeting representative Roland Van Liew, Planning Board member and former Selectman Robert Joyce and Permanent Building Committee member Patrick Maloney.

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Selectmen Chairman Jon Kurland, whose term is expiring this spring, said last week he will not run for a second term. Louis Marino, a Littleton Road resident, decided against a run after taking out papers Jan. 9.

For the School Committee, Barbara Skaar, president of the Council of Chelmsford Schools, has also taken out nomination forms. So far, the only other competitive race besides Board of Selectmen is for a Planning Board associate-member seat. Incumbent Nancy Araway is being challenged by Jeff Apostolakes.

The deadline to take out papers is Feb. 8. The paperwork must be returned with signatures from at least 50 certified voters by Feb. 12. For Town Meeting representative candidates, paperwork must be returned with 25 signatures from the precinct the candidate is running to represent.

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